Fireworks, Both Internal and Patriotic

The brilliant rockets red-glaring in the skies over respectively Bartlett and Tom Lee Park weren't the only fireworks I experienced this 4th of July weekend.

The long weekend got off to a beautiful start. Thursday night the family got together at Fat Larry's (KUDOS!) in Bartlett for my big bro's birthday bash. A great time was had by all, and afterward we went to my brother's house to watch the Bartlett fireworks from his yard.

Friday, I did exactly what I had planned- I slept til noon! Next came errands with the roomie (shopping with Becky is always a good time) and came back home to chill for the evening. I made the discovery that from the parking lot of my building, I had a great view of the fireworks at Tom Lee Park, so I sat outside for a while and watched. Perfect end to a lovely holiday, I thought.

Saturday, after a delicious breakfast with my roomie and her family, I went to my mom's for a while, and we went together to a belated 4th of July get-together at the home of a family friend. Despite the iffy weather, I was having a good time, although a queasy feeling I had had since I woke up that morning was intensifying rapidly. After a while, I told Mom we needed to go- I was miserable. By the time I got home, I was so sick I couldn't function! There were fireworks of a different sort- inside my stomach! I had to call in sick to Borders at the eleventh hour- it had just come on so suddenly. I spent the next two hours or so pacing the floor, throwing up, and/or writhing in pain.

A few months ago, I was having a lot of stomach trouble, and I was convinced I had a tumor in my stomach. CAT-scans and ultrasounds revealed no tumor, but some gall stones. I haven't done anything about having them removed, because I haven't had any more trouble for a while, but I'm pretty sure that's what my episode Saturday was all about. Dreadful, dreadful pain! I thought about going to the emergency room, but just as suddenly as it started, it stopped, and I drifted off into a peaceful slumber.

Around 2 AM, I woke up not only feeling better, but STARVING! A smart woman would have eaten some dry toast or crackers after the evening I'd had, but no, not me... I went for the leftover pork chop in the fridge! (On top of everything, I rarely eat beef or pork, so it makes me feel a bit icky when I do, even at my healthiest.) WORST IDEA I HAVE EVER HAD! Sparing you the gory details, I'll just say that more trouble ensued... and I doubt I will ever eat another pork chop as long as I live!

Sunday, I felt queasy and tired, but well enough to go to church (not that I had a choice- there is no one to take my Sunday School class should I become suddenly ill.) I skipped the service and came home to nap before I went in for my shift at Borders. The nap helped, and I got through the night without incident.

Monday morning, back at work, digestive system back in good working order. I have just enjoyed a satisfying lunch of Hot & Spicy Shrimp Flavored Ramen Noodles (Kudos!) and must now get back to the grind.

Peace, hombres!